Jeff Bobo

Newly appointed Judge Mike Faulk, third from left, was sworn in Monday in front of the Hawkins County Courthouse by fellow Judge John Wilson. (contributed photo)

ROGERSVILLE - Newly appointed Third Judicial District Circuit Judge Mike Faulk was sworn in Monday in front of the Hawkins County Courthouse - his faithful hunting dog "Rueban" by his side - by fellow Judge John Wilson.

Faulk was appointed last week by Gov. Bill Haslam to complete the term of retiring Judge Kindall Lawson.

Lawson, who spent four decades on the bench as session, and later circuit court judge, ritered as of June 1.

Faulk's first day on the job was Monday, July 1. He will preside over court in Hawkins, Hamblen, Hancock, and Greene counties.

Other dignitaries present for Monday's ceremony included Judge Thomas Wright, former attorney general and Hawkins County mayor Heiskell Winstead, and former congressman Bill Jenkins.